What cameras can use Pre-War Contax cassettes?

[loquax ludens]

I have nine very nice Contax reloadable brass cassettes that seem to be in perfect working order. At least they open and close easily. One had a slightly dented outer case, but I was able to get it apart and fix the dent.

Which Contax or other cameras will these cassettes work in? Which among those are the most desirable models for a user camera?

I figure if I can get a decent compatible camera for a good price, I might as well have some fun.

BTW, the reason I believe these are pre-war cassettes is because they have metal (I think aluminum) black painted spools that say "Contax" and "Made in Germany" on the end with the protruding knob. Otherwise, the cassettes are black painted brass, some with most of the paint gone. One has a plastic spool, but I don't think it is the original spool. The cassette is in every other regard exactly like the others. Unfortunately, none of these came with the original plastic or metal canisters.

 

[Bill Jones]

Contax casette compatible cameras

Contax casette compatible cameras

Hi Loquax,

All pre-war Zeiss Ikon 35 mm cameras (Contax I, II, III, TLR Contaflex, Nettax, Tenax II, etc.) as well as post war Contax IIa, IIIa, all SLR Contaflexes except the 126 film size and all Contarexes can use these casettes. Any of them in good condition is a good choice.

If you feel you want to use flash then you need to buy a post war camera. The color dial cd Contaxes are easier to flash sync than the black dial bd ones that need a separate sync cord.
If you want full lens interchangeibility then you need a Contax or Contarex. Based on these considerationsI would recommend a Contax II for no flash or a Contax IIa cd for flash. These cameras were top of te line in their day and do not come cheap today.

For a less expensive way to go try a Kiev, which is a USSR built Contax. I do not use them so I cannot comment on which ones to get.

Bill

 

[loquax ludens]

Thank you, Bill. That is a tremendous help. I didn't really know where to start. Now that I have some good info on compatible cameras, I can start some earnest research and begin to compare features, availability, and prices.